The first step in the therapy process is that I conduct a detailed evaluation, that includes speech, language and an oral mechanism exam is always necessary to determine the child’s strengths and areas of concern. I also analyze what sound shapes and syllables the child can produce, so we have a baseline to begin treatment.

The overall treatment approach that I use is a highly multi-sensory approach (visual, auditory, tactile), with repeated trials . Each client has their own specific needs. Therefore, I do alter my prompts and cues to fit each client. I utilize materials and strategies from Kaufman and the PROMPT method. Auditory bombardment paired with visual phonemic cues is highly successful with my clients. I also focus on rate, rhythm and melody for great overall intelligibility of speech. Additionally, building trust and rapport is also an important piece of my therapy. Having “buy in” from the child and the parent/caregiver is important for therapy to be successful. Family involvement and teaching is an important component of my therapy. I teach the clients simple activities or exercises based on what we are focusing on in therapy that session.

I always keep functional communication at the core of my therapy. I utilize what the client can do and build upon that. Successive approximations that lead to longer and more complex word structures have always been successful with my practice. I encourage parents to allow their child to use approximations, to achieve longer utterances and build upon their child’s current abilities.
My approach is always client centered. If the child can, we do structured skill-based tasks, we do! If not, we follow a play-based model. My treatment strategy is always tailored towards their specific needs. I work in clinic that has many resources. We have many SLP’s and OT’s that can bounce ideas off of. We also have a lot of equipment and materials to keep therapy motivating.